Australian unions have launched a new national awareness campaign, to inform workers of their rights and employers of their obligations under the harmonised health and safety laws.

Australian unions launched the Speak Up campaign on January 1, 2012 so that workers have a say in making sure their workplaces are safe and healthy.

ACTU Assistant Secretary Michael Borowick said it was important that workers understood they would have enhanced rights to elect their own health and safety representatives under the harmonised occupational health and safety (OHS) system that began in most states and territories on January 1.

“Workers need to know that when they are confronted by a health or safety issue in their workplace, they don’t have to deal with it alone. They have an iron-clad right, under law, to elect their own health and safety representatives. These reps act as watchdogs within the workplace, making employers comply with the law well before regulators have to become involved,” Mr Borowick said.

The campaign includes the launch of a new website: www.safeatwork.org.au which is a hub of information for workers and OHS reps about common health and safety issues, rights and obligations, tips for safer workplaces, legislation and news.

 Workers are also be able to post questions about health and safety and get advice from union experts.

• More info: ACTU news.